Imagine the nostalgic flavors of classic banana pudding transformed into a portable, hand-held treat that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to faces of all ages. My Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cones combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, comforting taste of banana pudding—all nestled in a crispy waffle cone for the perfect textural contrast.
These delightful dessert cones came to life during a summer gathering when I wanted something more exciting than traditional ice cream cones. The result was this irresistible creation that captures the essence of two beloved desserts in one easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for casual entertaining or a special weeknight surprise.
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required—just mix, assemble, and chill!
- Perfect for customizing with toppings to suit everyone’s preferences
- Make-ahead friendly—prepare components in advance for quick assembly
- Great for parties or dessert bars where guests can build their own cones
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 8 waffle cones
- ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- Caramel sauce or sweetened condensed milk drizzle
- Extra crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined. Transfer to a piping bag.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the banana pudding mix and cold milk together until thickened. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle a layer of crushed vanilla wafers into the bottom of each waffle cone. Pipe in layers of the cheesecake filling and banana pudding, alternating as desired, until the cone is filled.
- Pipe a swirl of cheesecake filling on top of each cone. Drizzle with caramel sauce or sweetened condensed milk. Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top for a crunchy finish.
- Chill the cones for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Tips & Variations
- For a firmer filling, refrigerate the cream cheese mixture for 30 minutes before assembling the cones.
- Substitute graham crackers for vanilla wafers if preferred.
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache at the bottom of the cone for an extra decadent treat.
- For a boozy adult version, add 1 tablespoon of banana liqueur to the pudding mixture.
- Dip the rim of the cones in melted chocolate and crushed nuts before filling for added texture and flavor.
- Use ripe but still firm bananas to prevent mushiness—bananas with light brown spots are perfect.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cones as the star of a dessert table alongside a variety of toppings like fresh berries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and various sauces for guests to customize their cones. For a complete dessert experience, pair with iced coffee or a small glass of dessert wine for adults.
These cones also make a wonderful ending to a Southern-inspired meal featuring barbecue, fried chicken, or shrimp and grits—the banana pudding flavor is a classic Southern dessert reimagined in a fun new format.
Notes
- Assembled cones will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours; after that, the cones may begin to soften.
- For make-ahead convenience, prepare the filling and store separately from the cones, then assemble just before serving.
- To prevent bananas from browning, toss slices in a teaspoon of lemon juice before using.
- Stand cones upright in a narrow glass or special cone holder during assembly and serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free waffle cones and gluten-free vanilla cookies. Just verify that your pudding mix is also gluten-free.
How do I keep the cones from getting soggy?
The cookie at the bottom helps, but you can also brush the inside of the cone with melted white chocolate and let it harden before filling to create a moisture barrier.
Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! Homemade pudding will give an even richer flavor, just make sure it’s cooled completely before folding into the cream cheese mixture.
What can I use instead of waffle cones?
Try serving in small dessert cups, mason jars, or even hollowed-out banana halves for a creative presentation.
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